In the lead-up to the Australian federal election, which has been labeled the "cost-of-living election," a multitude of significant issues have emerged that have not received adequate attention from the major political parties.

Producers of various S-B-S language programs engaged with their audiences to uncover key concerns that remain underrepresented in the current political discourse.

Among the primary issues highlighted is the challenge of visa access for family members stranded abroad.

Nan Mu Kay Tu Sein, whose family sought asylum in Australia in 2007 following violence in Myanmar, expressed hope that the new government would open a humanitarian pathway for Karen refugees who are currently fleeing ongoing civil strife and destruction caused by a recent earthquake in their homeland.

Tu Sein emphasized the importance of reestablishing a refugee resettlement program for Myanmar nationals, which had been halted by the Australian government for an extended period.

The theme of family reunification extended to audiences speaking Pashto, where there is considerable concern for family members in Afghanistan awaiting responses to their Australian humanitarian visa applications.

The uncertainty surrounding these applications underscores the plight of those seeking refuge in Australia amid challenging circumstances.

In the context of international education, concerns have been raised particularly among Hindi, Punjabi, and Telugu-speaking communities regarding proposed caps on international student enrollment.

Labor has announced a cap of 270,000 international students starting in 2025, while the Coalition has indicated intentions to reduce the intake by an additional 30,000 students per year.

Tushar Joshi, a second-year Ph.D. candidate at the University of Melbourne, pointed out that such measures could adversely affect Australia's standing as a premier destination for international education, which is Australia's fourth-largest export sector.

Furthermore, issues related to domestic violence have emerged as a significant concern within the Indian-Australian community.

Poornima Menon, Vice President of the India Australia Business Council, highlighted the inadequacy of political dialogue surrounding domestic violence, noting that it affects many within the community yet has not been met with substantial policy responses.

Menon advocates for culturally-informed approaches to address gendered violence, indicating the necessity for community engagement that involves both victims and perpetrators in the conversation.

The aged care sector is another critical issue frequently cited by various communities, including those speaking Italian, Korean, Greek, Macedonian, and Polish.

Responses reflected an urgent need for improvements in aged care services, particularly following the findings of the Aged Care Royal Commission in 2021, which deemed existing legislation obsolete.

The Royal Commission's recommendations aim to reform aged care services, enhancing care quality and accessibility for an aging population as a new Aged Care Act is set to be implemented on July 1.

Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales, noted the pressing demand for adequate aged care facilities as the population ages.

He also pointed out the low maximum fortnightly rate for aged pensioners, which remains insufficient for many to meet their basic needs as living costs continue to rise.

Finally, the Russian-speaking community has voiced concerns regarding the credibility of electoral promises, particularly those with populist undertones, as voters seek clarity on the implications of proposed tax cuts and budgetary reforms.

Voter Evgeniya underscored the importance of understanding the long-term viability and funding sources of such policies, emphasizing the need for thoughtful solutions to address inflation and economic pressures.

Collectively, these issues reveal a complex landscape of community concerns that extend beyond the prevailing narrative of cost-of-living challenges in the current election campaign.